Saudi Arabia Opens Bidding for Six Football Clubs

Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate its influence in global football with the sale of six professional football clubs, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. This move, which marks the next phase in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports investment strategy, invites both local and international investors to submit bids by September 19. The clubs on offer include Al-Okhdood, Al-Orouba, and Al-Kholoud from the top-tier Saudi Pro League, as well as Al-Zulfi, Al-Nahda, and Al-Ansar from the lower leagues.

This sale is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to establish itself as a major global football hub, a goal supported by significant investments in top-tier talent, infrastructure, and media deals. In just the first month of the 2023/24 season, the Saudi Pro League reported a 650% increase in revenue, demonstrating the growing interest in the league both domestically and internationally​. Additionally, the league has struck broadcasting deals with 38 networks across multiple countries, further boosting its global reach and visibility.

The sale of these football clubs follows last year’s move by the Saudi government to transfer 75% ownership of four leading Pro League teams—Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr—to the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This strategic move not only strengthened the financial foundation of Saudi football but also positioned these clubs as pivotal assets in the kingdom’s bid to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Asian Cup and potentially the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, Saudi Arabia recently submitted its bid to host the 2034 World Cup, which includes plans to build 11 new stadiums, showcasing the nation’s continued commitment to expanding its sporting infrastructure and global presence.

Observers anticipate that Gulf investors may dominate the bidding process, though Saudi Arabia remains keen to attract foreign direct investment from beyond the region. The kingdom’s investments in football are part of a larger strategy to diversify its economy away from oil, with sports expected to contribute up to 10% of GDP by 2030​.

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